The following is directly quoted from Tsongas campaign literature.
(except typos, which are probably mine).
I am not associated with or paid by the Tsongas campaign.
The following opinions should in no way be attributed to
Hewlett Packard.
---------------- campaign literature follows ----------------------
PAUL TSONGAS LED THE SENATE IN THE QUEST FOR FAIRNESS FOR GAY MEN
AND LESBIAN WOMEN at a time when many progressive legislators
remained silent on the issue of gay rights. Today, Paul Tsongas
continues to be a strong advocate of gay rights and of
non-discrimination measures that affect the gay and lesbian
community.
Sexual orientaion is a private matter that has nothing to do with
job performance, choice of housing, distribution of federal
benefits, or any number of other issues. Every American must
have an equal right to a job based on his or her ability. Every
American must have an equal right to live where he or she
chooses, and to live free of harassment, discrimination and
intimidation.
Every year, thousands of Americans are denied opportunities for
jobs and housing because of their sexual orientation. Currently,
they have inadequate recourse under federal law, or under the
constitution as it has been read by the courts.
These Americans deserve the same lega protection from
discrimination that is now extended to other individuals who have
historically been denied equal opportunity. All Americans should
be welcome to participate fully in the life of our nation,
including involvement in government and in military service.
Paul Tsongas supports S. 574 and H.R. 1430, the Lesbian and Gay
Civil Rights Bill, introduced in Congress this year by Senator
Alan Cranston and Rep. Ted Weiss. This bill prohibits
discrimination based on sexual orientation in jobs, housing,
public accommodations and federally-assisted opportunities. It
is a fundamental safeguard for the estimated 25 million Americans
who are gay and lesbian.
THE TSONGAS RECORD
* In 1979, Paul Tsongas introduced the very first National
Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Bill in the U.S. Senate. The bill,
S. 2081, sought to prohibit employment discriminal based on
sexual orientation.
* Paul Tsongas reintroduced the bill in two subsequent
congressional sessions and persistently sought out co-sponsors
for the bill through "Dear Colleague" letters and personal
lobbying.
* As a Senator, Paul Tsongas lobbied to defeat the McDonald
Amendment to the Legal Services Corporation bill, which
threatened gay and lesbian citizens' access to that
taxpayer-funded government program. The measure passed in the
House, but Tsongas helped defeat it in the Senate.
* Paul Tsongas opposed President Reagan's appointment of anti-gay
Rev. B. Sam Hart to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission; Har's
nomination was ultimately withdrawn.
* Paul Tsongas assisted in the successful effort to add a
Lesbian/Gay Civil Rights Plank to the 1980 Democratic National
Platform.